Lawrence "Shorty" Dozier, age 85, of Springerton, passed away Monday, January 7, 2013, at Enfield Healthcare Center. He was born March 10, 1927, in Springerton, the son of Everett and Avaline (Reever) Dozier. He married June Melvin in Carmi on September 23, 1949, and she survives.

Mr. Dozier grew up in rural White County. He served his country by enlisting in the US Navy on March 11, 1944. He was ranked as a Motor Machinist Mate Second Class. While serving in the Navy, he was stationed on various vessels that included the USS Griggs and the USS Wiley. Mr. Dozier was awarded the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. After being honorably discharge from the Navy on May 30, 1946, he returned to Illinois to pursue a degree in diesel mechanics at Rankin College in St. Louis, Mo. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Dozier worked for Halliburton Incorporated as a shop foreman. He and his brother, John, farmed for a number of years.

Shorty was active in local politics and served as Circuit Clerk of White County from 1972 until 1976. After leaving the Circuit Clerk's office, he became an independent land man, leasing minerals for various oil companies throughout the Tri-state area. Since retirement, Shorty's hobbies centered on spending time with his children and grandchildren fishing, growing strawberries and blueberries, raising catfish, and enjoying the great outdoors. Shorty was active in the Springerton American Legion and Carmi VFW posts.

Mr. Dozier is survived by his wife, June Dozier of Springerton; a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Teri Dozier of Enfield; four grandchildren and their spouses, Jeremy and Misty Dozier of Louisville, Ky., Angela and Rick Wilson of Mt. Vernon, Ill., Jayla and PJ Boone of Evansville, Ind., and Jade and Leah Dozier of Princeton, Ind.; 11 great grandchildren; five brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Wave Dozier, Ralph and Betty Dozier, Carroll and Reva Dozier, Lloyd and Ellie Dozier, and Kenny and Barbara Dozier; a sister, Beulah Dozier; and three sisters-in-law, Shirley and Warney Eckles, Martha and Bob Muehlenbein, and Nena and Larry Dye.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Randel, and two brothers, Marvin and Lester.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Springerton Christian Church with Pastor Ron Lamp officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service in the church sanctuary. Burial will take place in Hammack Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Mr. Dozier's name and will be accepted at the church.

Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Enfield is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com.